Despite bossing SA around thus far in the short-format series, Team India is reported to make some big changes in its playing XI for the 3rd T20 vs South Africa.
Under the leadership of Temba Bavuma, the Proteas are on a limited-overs tour of India, the T20 international phase of which reaches its end after the 3rd and last game between the sides on October 4.
Kohli and Rahul to be rested from India vs SA playing XI
Up until now, it has largely been the batting duo of KL Rahul and Suryakumar (and Kohli too in 2nd game) who have helped India earn an unassailable 2-0 lead in the 3-match series.
However, reports from NDTV suggest that Dravid and Rohit have regardless decided to rest Virat Kohli and Rahul from Team India playing XI for the 3rd T20I vs South Africa.
The same has been shared by @CricCrazyJohns, a reputed Indian Cricket reporter on Twitter.
Virat Kohli and KL Rahul rested for the 3rd T20. (Source – NDTV)
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) October 3, 2022
Rahul (57 off 28) had just hit his big-hitting straps in the last game, so him not getting another game to consolidate his confidence is intriguing.
Regardless, the 3rd T20I vs Bavuma-led South Africa is the last T20 game for Rohit and co. before the 2022 T20WC.
The side the Men in Blue may field in the game is shared hereon.
India playing XI vs South Africa, 3rd T20I
SportsTime247 believes wk-batter Rishabh Pant will be promoted to open with Rohit while Shreyas Iyer and Shahbaz are likely to replace Kohli and Rahul.
Ravi Ashwin was carted for 37 runs in the previous game and has picked zero wickets across the 2 games. Thus, a wicket-taking option like Chahal coming in is inevitable.
However, it appears the management has chosen Ravi as their primary spinner so the chance of this particular change is 50-50.
India Playing XI vs South Africa Playing for 3rd T20I (predicted):
Rohit Sharma (C), Rishabh Pant (WK), Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav, Shahbaz Ahmed, Dinesh Karthik, Axar Patel, R Ashwin or Chahal, Harshal Patel, Arshdeep Singh and Deepak Chahar.
